2^7 


NARRATIVE 

OF  TUB  LATE 

revival  among  the  nestorians. 

read  at  OROOMIAH,  PERSIA, 

AT  THK 


ANNIVERSARY  OF  THE  MISSION, 


HELD  SIMULTANEOUSLY  WITH  THE  MEETING  OF  THE  AMERICAN 
BOARD  OF  COMMISSIONERS  FOR  FOREIGN  MISSIONS, 


September,  1846. 


BY  DAVID  T.  ^ODDARD, 

A UBVBSR  OF  THE  IXIS8IOJJ. 


BOSTON : 


PUBLISHED  BY  THE  BOARD. 
Missionary  House,  33  Pemberton  Square. 

1 8 4 7. 


The  following  account  of  the  remarkable  work  of  grace  among 
the  Nestorians,  was  read  by  the  Rev.  David  T.  Stoddard,  in 
the  presence  of  his  brethren  of  the  mission,  for  the  encourage- 
ment of  their  faith,  at  the  meeting  which  this  mission,  in  common 
with  most  of  the  others  under  the  care  of  the  Board,  held,  a year  ^ 
ago,  on  Thursday,  while  the  Board  was  assembled  at  New  Haven. 

A copy  of  it  having  been  forwarded  to  this  country,  though  with- 
out any  expectation  that  it  would  be  published,  it  is  believed  that 
an  edition  will  be  acceptable  and  useful  among  the  friends  of  the 
canse. 


NARRATIVE. 


The  scenes  of  the  past  few  months  we  can  never  for- 
get. They  form  an  era  in  our  missionary  life,  and 
around  them  will  always  cluster  many  of  our  happiest 
recollections.  We  may  indeed  have  witnessed  similar 
scenes  before,  but  not  in  similar  circumstances.  It  was 
the  first  general  awakening  in  a church  which  has  slept 
for  ages.  It  was  in  a land  of  darkness  and  the  shadow 
of  death.  Years  of  toil  had  passed  away;  much  pre- 
cious seed  had  been  sown,  and  the  laborers  were  earnest- 
ly waiting  for  the  harvest.  One  trial  after  another  had 
arisen  and  threatened  to  overwhelm  us ; and  had  not  our 
faith  been  reposed  on  an  Almighty  arm,  it  must  certainly 
have  been  shaken.  It  was  at  such  a time  in  our  history, 
in  a place  and  under  circumsttinces  of  such  deep  inter- 
est, that  God  appeared  for  our  help.  The  windows  of 
heaven  were  opened,  and  a blessing  so  rich  was  bestowed, 
as  to  convince  not  only  ourselves,  but  the  most  unbe- 
lieving around  us,  that  the  work  was  the  work  of  God. 
Is  it  any  wonder,  then,  when  converts  here  in  scores  first 
joined  their  voices  with  ours  in  singing  redeeming  love, 
that  we  were  the  subjects  of  new  and  very  peculiar 
emotions ! 


4 


NARRATIVE  OF  THE  REVIVAL 


We  may  hereafter,  brethren,  see  glorious  things  in  the 
Nestorian  church.  The  time  may  come,  God  grant  it 
come  speedily,  when  this  whole  people  shall  be  knit 
together  in  love,  reflecting  on  all  around  them  much  of 
the  purity  and  blessedness  of  heaven  ; when  they  shall  go 
forth  with  willing  hearts  to  carry  to  other  countries  the 
news  of  salvation  by  Jesus  Christ.  But  it  may  be 
doubted,  even  should  these  bright  anticipations  be  fully 
realized,  whether  the  events  of  any  coming  year  will, 
like  those  of  the  present  year,  cause  so  many  cords  to 
thrill  in  the  missionary’s  heart.  If  ever  we  catch  the 
spirit  of  the  upper  world,  if  ever  we  adore  the  riches  of 
that  grace  which  can  transform  a cursing  rebel  into  a 
praising  saint,  if  ever  we  receive  a fresh  anointing  from 
above,  and  go  forth  anew,  cheered  in  our  work  and 
exercising  a living  faith,  it  must  be  when  we  are  witness- 
ing around  us  these  proofs  of  the  mighty  power  and  the 
tender  mercy  of  God. 

Our  first  emotions  have  now  in  some  measure  sub- 
sided ; and  while  we  are  sufficiently  remote  from  the 
season  of  the  deepest  interest  to  pronounce  a deliberate 
judgment  on  its  character,  we  are  also  sufficiently  near  to 
recal  those  scenes  in  much  of  their  freshness  and  power. 
It  seems  highly  proper,  therefore,  that  on  this  interesting 
anniversary,  we  should  retrace  the  way  in  which  we 
have  been  led,  and  again  offer  up  our  thanksgivings  to 
God. 

In  speaking  of  this  revival,  as  the  first  general  awaken- 
ing among  the  people,  it  is  not  intended  to  disregard  or 
undervalue  what  had  been  previously  accomplished.  It 
is  as  true  in  the  moral  as  in  the  natural  world,  that  “ the 
husbandman  waiteth  for  the  precious  fruit  of  the  earth, 
and  hath  long  patience  for  it,  until  he  receive  the  early 
and  latter  rain.”  God  may  indeed  sometimes  set  aside 
those  laws,  and  suddenly  display  among  a people,  sunk 


AMONO  THE  NESTORIANS. 


5 


in  ignorance  and  besotted  by  sin,  the  scenes  of  Pente- 
cost. But  that  his  ordinary  method  is  a diflercnt  one,  to 
prepare  the  harvest  by  the  alternation  of  sunshine  and 
rain,  and  the  silent  and  gradual  operation  of  his  Spirit 
through  the  Word,  the  experience  of  the  church,  in  every 
part  of  the  world,  will  abundantly  confirm.  And  to  one 
who  considers  how,  previous  to  the  establishment  of  this 
mission  here,  ignorance,  superstition  and  sin  had  com- 
pletely usurped  dominion ; how  the  doctrine  of  salvation 
by  good  works,  instead  of  faith  in  Jesus  Christ, — a doc- 
trine which  differs  little  from  that  of  the  Koran  or  the 
Hindoo  shasters,  — had  superseded  evangelical  truth; 
how  conscience  was  deadened  by  long  and  unrestrained 
courses  of  sin,  and  how  well  nigh  obliterated  were  all 
traces  of  holiness  of  heart  and  purity  of  life  ; it  will  not 
appear  strange  that  the  people  were  not  at  once  trans- 
formed, as  if  by  miracle,  into  the  children  of  God.  To 
master  this  language,  so  that  the  truth  should  fall  on  the 
mind  with  its  native  energy  ; to  become  familiarized  with 
oriental  habits  of  thought  and  feeling ; to  overcome  the 
prejudices,  which  the  mere  fact  that  we  were  strangers 
would  be  likely  to  create ; to  convince  a people  who 
knew  nothing  of  benevolence,  that  our  sole  object  was 
to  do  them  good  ; to  bring  forth  from  the  mould  and  the 
dust  of  ages  the  word  of  God  ; to  pour  light  on  their 
darkness,  and  hold  up  before  them  the  naked  truth  as 
it  is  revealed  in  the  gospel,  till  it  should  produce  its 
appropriate  effect,  and  bring  men  to  the  cross  of  Christ ; 
— this  was  not  the  work  of  a day,  or  a month,  but 
to  be  accomplished  only  by  the  blessing  of  God  on  long, 
persevering,  prayerful  labors.  And  though  it  becomes 
me  not  to  say  that  the  brethren  were  as  humble  and 
devoted  as  it  was  possible  for  them  to  be,  or  that  they 
realized  the  blessing  at  the  earliest  possible  moment,  it 
yet  seems  evident  that  their  labors  were  very  far  from 


6 


NARRATIVE  OF  THE  REVIVAL 


being  in  vain.  When  we  visit  remote  districts,  or  pen- 
etrate the  recesses  of  the  Koordish  mountains,  we  find 
multitudes  who  are  probably  fair  representatives  now,  of 
what  the  people  of  Oroomiah  were  twelve  years  ago. 
And  we  must  all  in  such  cases  have  been  struck  with  the 
greatly  superior  knowledge  and  intelligent  conviction  of 
the  truth,  which  we  see  in  numerous  villages  around  us, 
even  where  not  a soul  has  been  led  to  the  cross  of  Christ. 

But  passing  by  the  time  which  had  elapsed  previous 
to  my  own  arrival  here,  in  regard  to  which  I am  of 
course  in  a measure  ignorant,  I will  simply  remark  that, 
during  the  three  years  I have  spent  in  Oroomiah,  there 
has  seemed  to  me  to  be  a constant  and  by  no  means 
insignificant  progress  in  our  work.  Indeed,  notwith- 
standing the  fact  that  I came  to  this  field  with  raised 
iiopes  and  the  impression  so  common  among  our  Amer- 
ican friends,  that  this  was  one  of  the  most  interesting 
missions  of  the  Board,  I have  never  seen  the  time,  even 
amid  the  trials  which  have  assailed  us  from  every  quar- 
ter, when  there  did  not  appear  to  me  much  to  encourage 
the  Christian’s  heart.  In  regard  to  the  religious  interest 
the  first  winter  after  my  joining  the  mission,  it  may  be 
stated  that,  while  its  results  were  far  from  what  were 
hoped  for,  it  was  yet  a decided  aid  to  our  work,  and 
brought  forth  some  genuine  fruit  to  life  eternal.  And 
from  that  time  to  the  present,  especially  among  the 
teachers  and  members  of  the  seminaries,  there  has  been 
a more  intelligent  apprehension  of  religious  truth,  and  a 
deeper  sense  of  obligation  to  God. 

After  the  male  seminary  had  been  reorganized,  and 
the  female  seminary  placed  on  a more  permanent  basis, 
and  the  members  of  both  brought  fully  under  the  influ- 
ence of  the  mission  families,  there  was  soon  a great 
change  for  the  better.  There  was  less  noise  and  con- 
fusion, less  rudeness  and  insubordination,  less  petty 


AMONG  THE  NESTOR1AN3. 


7 


quarreling  between  different  members  of  the  schools. 
The  older  ones,  especially,  acquired  a degree  of  self- 
respect,  to  which  they  were  before  strangers.  Profanity 
and  thieving,  which,  three  years  ago,  were  not  at  all 
unfrequent,  almost  entirely  ceased,  and  there  was,  out- 
wardly at  least,  much  respect  shown  for  the  Sabbath  and 
the  preaching  of  the  gospel.  Frequently  also  we  were 
permitted  to  witness  solemn  attention  to  the  truth,  and  a 
conviction  of  its  deep  importance  ; while  among  the  girls 
there  had  been  repeated  anxiety  about  the  .salvation  of 
their  souls,  and  the  habit,  on  the  part  of  niciny,  of  secret 
and  earnest  prtnyer. 

I mention  these  improvements  in  the  manners  and 
characters  of  our  pupils,  not,  so  far  as  the  seminary  under 
my  own  care  is  concerned,  to  reflect  credit  on  the  super- 
intendents, but  as  evincing  the  superiority  of  our  present 
system,  and  the  preparation  which  actually  existed  for  the 
powerful  reviv:d  of  God’s  work.  It  is  my  decided  im- 
pression that,  had  we  been  more  faithful  to  our  charge, 
happier  results,  and  at  an  earlier  period,  might  have  been 
witnessed  ; and  I see  no  reason  why  they  might  not  have 
been  witnessed  even  years  ago,  had  it  been  practicable  to 
adopt  the  same  course  of  instruction  and  discipline. 

Towards  the  close  of  last  December,  a few  weeks  after 
the  seminary  had  been  assembled  and  organized  for  the 
winter,  I was  absent  at  Tabreez  a short  time,  on  business 
for  the  mission.  The  superintendence  of  the  seminary 
was  thus  temporarily  intrusted  to  Mr.  Stocking.  During 
this  interval,  Mr.  Stocking  several  times,  at  evening 
devotions,  observed  deep  seriousness  on  the  countenances 
of  our  pupils ; and  on  my  return,  he  had  a decided 
impression  that  we  were  on  the  eve  of  a revival.  This 
impression  he  communicated  to  some  others  ; and  I feel 
assured  that  there  was  in  the  hearts  of  different  members 
of  the  mission,  a longing  desire,  accompanied  by  earnest 


8 


NARRATIVE  OF  THE  REVIVAL 


prayer,  that  such  a blessing  might  be  realized.  The 
religious  feelings  of  John  had  also,  about  this  time, 
received  quite  an  impulse  ; and,  with  more  ardor  than 
judgment,  he  wrote  once  on  the  wall  of  the  school  room, 
whither  he  had  retired  for  secret  prayer,  “ O my  dear 
Savior,  do  come  and  convert  this  school.”  Justice, 
however,  obliges  me  to  say  in  regard  to  myself,  that, 
while  I was  hoping  for  an  outpouring  of  God’s  Spirit 
during  the  winter,  I did  not  see  the  evidence  of  its  being 
so  near  at  hand.  When  the  revival  commenced,  there- 
fore, I was  more  impressed  with  its  suddenness,  and 
power,  than  tho.se  who,  with  more  zeal  and  faith,  had 
been  laboring  and  longing  and  watching  for  the  blessing. 

Such  was  the  general  state  of  our  seminaries,  and 
such  the  feelings  of  the  brethren,  at  the  beginning  of 
this  year.  On  the  first  Monday  in  January,  (a  season  so 
extensively  devoted  to  fasting  and  prayer  for  the  success 
of  missions,)  two  of  the  older  girls  in  Miss  Fisk’s  school 
lingered  after  prayers,  till  their  companions  had  retired, 
and,  with  considerable  feeling,  requested  permission  to 
spend  the  day  alone  in  seeking  the  salvation  of  their 
souls.  The  request  was  of  course  granted,  and  from  that 
time  their  convictions  deepened,  till,  a few  days  after, 
they  were  found  sitting  at  the  feet  of  Jesus.  One  of 
tliese  precious  first  fruits,  after  several  months  of  dis- 
tressing disease,  which  she  bore  with  the  most  exemplary 
patience,  peacefully  reposed  her  all  on  the  Redeemer, 
and  went  to  join  in  the  praises  of  the  heavenly  world. 
The  other  still  remains  with  us,  giving  striking  and  daily 
increasing  evidence  to  all  around  her  of  the  great 
change  which  has  been  wrought  in  her  soul. 

With  the  exception  of  these  two  cases,  nothing  of  very 
special  interest  was  observed  in  either  seminary  until  the 
nineteenth  of  the  month.  At  Seir,  however,  Nicholas,  a 
man  in  the  service  of  the  mission,  had  been  under  deep 


AMONG  THE  NESTORIANS. 


9 


convictions  of  sin,  and  Mr.  Perkins  was  cherishing  the 
hope  that  he  was  truly  born  again.  His  case  was  a 
deeply  interesting  one,  from  the  lact  that  he  was  awaken- 
ed to  a sense  of  his  lost  condition,  when  almost  all 
around  us  were  quietly  slumbering  in  sin.  1 he  blame- 
lessness, the  activity  in  doing  good,  which  he  has  e.\hih- 
ited  since  that  time  in  his  Christian  walk,  has  given  the 
best  of  testimony  to  the  sincerity  of  his  repentance  ; and 
we  regard  him  with  peculiar  interest,  as  being  the  only 
pious  Armenian,  with  whom  we  are  acquainted  in  the 
whole  of  Persia. 

On  the  nineteenth  of  January,  a number  were  simulta- 
neously and  deeply  affected  in  both  seminaries,  and  came 
to  us  inquiring  what  they  must  do  to  be  saved.  This  fact 
was  the  more  remarkable,  as  the  seminaries  are  entirely 
distinct,  and  there  had  been  no  communication  between 
the  respective  members.  From  that  time  the  interest 
rapidly  increased,  till  on  Wednesday  evening,  two  days 
after,  as  I was  going  to  the  preaching  service  with  one  of 
the  brethren,  we  heard  the  voice  of  prayer,  intermingled 
with  sobs,  on  every  side.  All  who  were  present  in  the 
seminary  that  night,  will  remember  the  deep  solemnity 
that  pervaded  the  audience.  We  closed  the  exercises, 
and  were  about  to  retire,  but  no  one  moved  from  his  seat. 
And  it  was  not  until  the  meeting  had  been  considerably 
protracted,  and  the  boys  had  been  told  to  return  to  their 
rooms,  that  they  seemed  willing  to  leave  us.  I had,  how- 
ever, no  sooner  reached  my  study,  than  it  was  filled  to 
overflowing  with  an.xious  inquirers  ; and  there,  with  emo- 
tions which  I can  never  describe,  but  which  we  can  all 
appreciate,  I unfolded  with  faltering  tongue  the  gospel  of 
Jesus  Christ  to  one  company  after  another,  till  near  mid- 
night. It  was  indeed  a time  long  to  be  remembered. 
The  worth  of  souls  and  the  love  of  Christ  presented 
themselves  with  amazing  force  to  my  mind ; and  I felt  as 
though  I could  not  long  sustain  such  crushing  responsi- 


10 


NARRAXm:  OF  THE  REVIVAL 


bility.  The  morning  brought  with  it  a repetition  of  sim- 
ilar scenes.  Rising  very  early  from  troubled  sleep,  I 
found  inquirers  w'aiting  to  be  guided  to  Jesus  Christ. 
And  it  was  an  unspeakable  relief  to  meet  with  two,  who 
seemed  ready,  deliberately  and  solemnly,  to  form  an  ever- 
lasting covenant  with  the  Lord.  Their  convictions  had 
been  so  pungent  and  their  views  of  the  w’ay  of  salvation 
were  so  clear,  that,  as  in  the  case  of  another  individual 
some  years  ago,  I felt  a hope,  amounting  almost  to  confi- 
dence, in  the  reality  of  the  change.  And  after  nine 
months’  trial,  I think  of  no  members  of  the  seminary,  who 
have  given  more  uniform  and  decided  evidence  of  piety. 

It  was  about  this  time  that  the  animal  excitement, 
which  had  for  several  days  been  naturally,  if  not  necessa- 
rily, awakened  in  the  little  community,  began  to  die  away, 
and  some  to  relapse  quietly  into  their  former  indifference. 
With  the  older  and  more  reflecting,  however,  it  was  oth- 
erwise. Ten  or  tw’elve  of  these  remained  on  Thursday 
in  a state  of  deep  conviction,  which  seemed  in  some  cases 
almost  to  overcome  their  physical  powers.  Yonan  of 
Ada,  particularly,  lay  tossing  upon  the  floor  the  whole  of 
Thursday  night,  begging  for  mercy,  and  there  was  serious 
reason  to  apprehend  that  he  would  fall  into  a fit.  The 
natural  clearness  of  his  mind  and  his  familiarity  with 
gospel  truth,  added  to  the  continued  warnings  he  had 
received,  and  his  repeated  attempts  to  stifle  the  con- 
victions of  his  conscience,  all  now  heaped  fuel  on  the  fire, 
and  he  seemed  overcome  with  horror.  Such  feeling 
could  not  be  long  endured,  and  on  Friday  he,  with  a 
number  of  others,  had  his  mouth  filled  with  the  praises  of 
redeeming  love. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  Friday  was  set  apart  by  the 
mission  for  fasting  and  prayer ; iind  we  mu.st  believe  that 
our  united  supplications  that  day  were  not  in  vain.  In 
the  evening  those  most  interested  were  gathered  from 
both  seminaries  into  Mr.  Stocking’s  upper  room.  The 


AMONG  THE  NESTORIANS. 


11 


assembly  was  exceedingly  solemn,  while  the  nature  and 
office-work  of  the  Holy  Spirit  was  unfolded  to  them,  and 
they  were  urged  to  embrace  this  golden  opportunity,  and 
fly  from  the  wrath  to  come.  On  one  side  were  seated  the 
girls,  with  heads  bowed  down  and  sobs  which  they  strove 
in  vain  to  repress ; and  all  who  were  present,  from  the 
priest  to  the  youngest  child,  seemed  to  feel  deeply  the  re- 
alities of  eternity. 

The  following  Sabbath  found  ten  of  our  pupils,  and 
quite  a number  in  the  female  seminary,  rejoicing  in  hope 
of  the  glory  of  God.  Deacon  Tamu,  who  had  tried  me 
much  in  the  seminary  by  his  levity  the  preceding  week, 
was  now  trembling  from  head  to  foot,  an  anxious  inquirer. 
Priest  Eshoo  also  remained  in  his  seat  after  meeting,  his 
face  buried  in  his  handkerchief;  and  when  Mr.  Stocking 
took  him  affectionately  by  the  hand,  he  burst  into  tears. 
Thus  were  strong  men  bowed  down  at  that  time  by  the 
mighty  operation  of  the  Spirit  of  God. 

Such  is  a very  imperfect  outline  of  the  first  week  of 
the  revival.  The  brethren  who  were  necessarily  absent 
at  Seir,  cannot  by  such  a description,  nor  indeed  by  any 
description,  form  an  idea  of  the  solemn  and  deeply  affect- 
ing scenes  through  which  we  passed.  The  commence- 
ment and  progress  of  the  work  up  to  this  period,  had 
been  so  like  a rushing  mighty  wind,  that  I doubt  if  our 
physical  systems  could  have  borne  the  pressure,  had  it 
been  continued  to  the  same  degree  for  many  days  longer. 

After  this  time,  the  work  advanced  more  gradually, 
but  still  with  great  power,  evincing  to  tall  who  saw  it  that 
it  was  the  work  of  God.  Both  seminaries,  for  many  weeks 
together,  were  in  a state  of  deep  solemnity,  and  events  of 
thrilling  interest  were  daily  occurring.  I regret  much 
that  I am  in  possession  of  no  statement  of  individual  facts 
in  the  female  school  during  this  period,  so  that  I am 
obliged  to  confine  myself  principally  to  those  which  fell 
under  my  own  observation.  It  may,  however,  be  well  to 


12 


NARRATIVE  OF  THE  REVIVAL 


remark,  that  the  convictions  and  conversions  in  both 
schools  were  substantially  of  the  same  character,  and 
both  exerted  a similar  and  very  powerful  influence  on  the 
villages  around. 

The  case  of  two  Catholic  young  men,  formerly  Nesto- 
rians,  with  whom  the  brethren  are  now  well  acquainted, 
seems  to  me  to  possess  a peculiar  interest.  Coming  as 
they  did  and  begging  for  admission  to  the  seminary,  and 
when  refused,  urging  their  suit  with  the  greatest  importu- 
nity; granted  at  last  some  of  the  privileges  of  the  school, 
but  considered  rather  as  intruders  than  pupils ; it  was 
quite  affecting  to  see  them  almost  immediately  under  con- 
viction of  sin.  They  came  to  me  with  heavy  hearts  to 
inquire  what  they  should  do  to  be  saved.  It  was  inter- 
esting also  to  see  the  amount  of  doctrinal  knowledge  they 
possessed,  and  their  deep  sense  of  the  plague  of  their 
hearts.  No  doubt  they  were  rescued  by  a kind  Provi- 
dence from  Catholic  influence,  and  brought  to  us,  that 
they  might  be  guided  to  Jesus  Christ.  They  seemed  to 
be  overcome  with  the  idea  that  they  had  ever  forsaken  the 
more  simple  worship  of  their  fathers,  and  provoked  God 
by  bowing  down  to  images ; and  many  times  expressed 
their  gratitude,  that  such  vile  prodigals  were  allowed  any 
place  among  his  children.  One  of  tliese  young  men  pos- 
sesses excellent  talents,  and  is  able  to  do  great  good  among 
his  people.  Both  of  them  have,  up  to  this  period,  walk- 
ed worthy  of  their  high  vocation,  and  are,  we  may  hope, 
growing  to  the  stature  of  perfect  men  in  Chrjst  Jesus. 

It  will  be  remembered  under  wliat  circumstances  of 
peculiar  interest,  the  tailor  now  with  us  was  hopefully 
converted.  Brought  providentially  to  our  yard  just  as  the 
revival  commenced,  and  listening  daily  to  the  conversa- 
tion of  those  anxious  and  those  rejoicing  around  him,  he 
learned  that  he  was  a lost  sinner,  and  consecrated  his  all 
to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  During  the  whole  spring  and 
summer,  he  has  apparently  walked  with  God  and  has  in- 


AMONG  THE  NESTORIANS. 


13 


terested  all  who  know  him  by  his  humble  and  childlike 
deportment.  Though  hiirdly  able  to  read  correctly 
in  the  modern  language,  and  of  course  inferior  as  a 
scholar  to  the  youngest  member  of  the  school,  he  yet 
commands  the  respect  of  all,  and  exerts  a very  happy  in- 
fluence on  the  side  of  Christ. 

But  not  to  dwell  longer  on  individual  cases  in  the  sem- 
inaries, I will  only  allude  to  one,  whicli  occurred  at  a 
much  later  period,  and  with  which  the  brethren  may  not 
all  be  familiar.  During  the  past  summer  while  our 
school  was  in  session  at  Seir,  an  orphan  about  sixteen 
years  of  age  came  from  Alcai  to  visit  us  and  apply  for  ad- 
mission. He  stated  that  he  had  been  a member  of  the 
seminary  some  years  ago  for  a short  time,  and  earnestly 
desired  again  to  enjoy  its  privileges.  Having  much  press- 
ing business  at  the  time,  I told  him  he  might  remain, 
until  I could  attend  to  his  request.  Two  days  after, 
either  by  accident,  or  prompted  by  curiosity,  he  found  his 
way  into  a room,  where  some  six  or  eight  of  the  boys  had 
assembled  for  prayer.  During  the  progress  of  the  meet- 
ing, he  seemed  deeply  affected,  and  with  tears  streaming 
down  his  cheeks,  came  inquiring  the  way  to  the  cross  of 
Christ.  As  the  converting  influences  of  the  Spirit  had  at 
the  time  been  withheld  for  several  months  from  the  semi- 
nary, the  appearance  of  this  new  comer  produced  an  un- 
usual solemnity.  His  feelings  for  some  days  increased  in 
intensity,  his  convictions  were  decidedly  pungent  and 
clear,  and  he  at  last  expressed  the  hope  that  he  had  com- 
mitted his  all  to  Jesus  Christ.  From  that  time  he  ap- 
peared to  be  a true  hearted  disciple,  and  I not  only  made 
him  a member  of  the  seminary,  but  gave  him  a place  in 
my  affections.  Since  the  dispersion  of  our  pupils,  he  has 
several  times  spent  the  Sabbath  with  us  at  Seir,  and  con- 
firmed very  much  by  his  interesting  appearance,  our  fa- 
vorable opinion  of  his  piety. 

2 


14 


NARRATIVE  OF  THE  REVIVAL 


The  revival  in  the  two  seminaries  advanced,  with  little 
diminution  of  interest  or  power,  for  about  two  months. 
At  the  close  of  that  time,  fifty  of  the  pupils  had  been 
hopefully  converted,  and  were  exhibiting  a delightful  exam- 
ple of  Christian  fellowship  and  love.  Their  very  uncom- 
mon prayerfulness,  and  their  earnest  solicitude  for  the  con- 
version of  their  friends  and  of  the  entire  people,  are  yet 
fresh  in  our  minds  and  cannot  fail  to  swell  our  hearts  with 
gratitude  to  God,  as  we  review  the  past  to-day.  Decep- 
tive as  is  the  human  heart,  and  liable  as  even  the  best  and 
most  discriminating  of  men  have  been  to  mistake  as  to 
the  genuineness  of  conversion,  it  was  not  strange  that 
in  some  few  cases  our  feelings  were  severely  tried.  But 
notwithstanding  this,  it  is  to  be  recorded  with  devout 
wonder  and  thanksgiving,  that  the  very  great  majority  of 
those,  who  were  hopefully  brought  to  Christ  in  the  semi- 
naries last  winter,  are  to-day  testifying  the  sincerity  of 
their  repentance  by  humble  and  prayerful  lives.  Scat- 
tered during  this  vacation  among  the  people,  they  are 
every  where,  so  far  as  I can  learn,  both  males  and  females, 
active  in  doing  good,  and  exerting  a powerful  influence 
in  winning  men  to  the  truth. 

In  an  account,  however  brief,  of  the  revival  in  our 
seminaries,  the  important  fact  should  not  be  overlooked, 
that  those  who  had  been  longest  under  our  influence  and 
received  most  religious  instruction,  were  the  first  to  yield 
to  the  claims  of  the  gospel,  and  in  general  have  been  the 
most  consistent  in  their  Christian  walk.  It  has  sometimes 
been  thought,  from  the  trials  which  the  mission  has  had 
with  some  of  those,  on  whom  special  pains  h.id  been  be- 
stowed, that  our  efforts  in  their  behalf  had  been  worse 
than  useless.  But  when  God’s  time  came  to  pour  out  his 
Spirit,  we  were  privileged  to  see  those  very  individuals, 
before  so  hardened  in  sin,  sitting  with  the  greatest  docil- 
ity at  the  feet  of  Jesus,  and  laboring  in  the  foremost  rank 
for  the  salvation  of  their  people.  One  who  is  well  ac- 


AMONG  THE  NESTORIANS. 


15 


quainted  individually  with  these  converts,  cannot  hut  feel, 
that  all  their  acquisitions  are  now  an  aid  to  them  in  the 
great  work  of  making  known  the  gospel,  and  will  look  to 
those  who  have  had  the  longest  and  most  faithful  course 
of  instruction,  as  most  likely  to  fight  manfully  the  good 
fight  of  faith. 

It  should  also  be  mentioned  more  distinctly  than  it  has 
been,  that  this  revivid  in  the  seminaries  began  and  pro- 
gressed without  any  array  of  means.  It  was  ru>t  by  j)ro- 
tracted  meetings,  nor  anxious  seats,  nor  appeals  to  the 
physical  feelings,  that  this  great  work  was  advanced. 
AVe  all  remember  that  we  were  behind,  rather  than  before, 
the  current  of  feeling.  When  we  were  hardly  aware  that 
God  was  among  us,  and  perhaps  even  before  we  had, 
with  weeping  and  mourning,  prostrated  ourselves  at  the 
mercy-seat,  we  were  surrounded  by  a crowd  of  inquiring 
sinners.  And  from  first  to  last,  not  a single  extra  public 
meeting  was  held,  and  very  little  change  made  in  our  es- 
tablished arrangements.  If  ever  there  was  a work,  which 
was  by  pre-eminence  entitled  to  be  called  the  LorcPs 
work,  it  is  the  one  which  we  have  witnessed  this  year  in 
Oroomiah.  And  while  we  should  devoutly  bless  God, 
that  we  have  been  permitted  to  bear  any  part,  however 
humble,  in  its  advancement,  we  should  beware  how  we 
assume  the  least  degree  of  praise  to  ourselves.  “Not 
unto  us,  O Lord,  not  unto  us,  but  unto  thy  name  give 
glory.” 

It  was  not  long  after  this  work  of  grace  commenced 
in  the  seminaries,  before  its  influence  was  felt  among  all 
in  our  immediate  employ.  Several  of  the  prominent 
priests  and  deacons  on  our  premises,  including  the  teach- 
ers in  both  seminaries,  who  had  most  of  them  for  years 
been  hoping  that  they  were  Christians,  throwing  all  their 
former  dependences  away,  joined  with  our  pupils  in  suing 
for  mercy.  The  printers  were  also  reached ; and  several 
pf  them,  who  had  been  excedingly  depraved,  were  found 


16 


NARRATIVE  OF  THE  REVIVAL 


clothed  and  in  their  right  mind  at  the  feet  of  Jesus,  And 
that  brother,  whose  circumstances  enable  him  most  cor- 
rectly to  judge,  informs  me,  that  after  so  long  an  exposure 
to  temptation  and  the  corrupting  influences  of  their  peo- 
ple, at  least  five  of  them  appear  to  be  meek  and  humble 
Christians.  Natives  employed  in  our  families  were  more- 
over the  subjects  of  this  blessed  work  ; and  there  are 
few  now  remaining  about  us,  either  in  the  city  or  at  Seir, 
of  whose  piety  we  may  not  cherish  a reasonable  hope. 

It  yet  remains  to  notice  the  progress  of  this  revival  in 
the  villages ; and  I regret  that  I shall  be  obliged  to  pass 
hastily  over  so  interesting  a portion  of  the  narrative. 

It  will  be  remembered  that,  a year  ago,  there  was  some 
religious  interest  in  Geog  Tapa,  under  the  labors  of 
Priest  Abraham,  John  and  Moses,  and  that  a few  females 
were  hopefully  brought  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  With 
this  exception,  there  had  been  in  none  of  the  villages  any 
thing  like  a revival  of  religion.  At  Seir,  and  perhaps  at 
one  or  two  other  places,  th^re  had  been,  at  different 
times,  special  interest  in  he.aring  the  truth ; but  (passing 
by,  in  the  estimate,  several  villagers  of  Seir,  who  belong 
more  properly  to  the  mission  premises  there,)  I am  not 
aware  that  it  resulted  in  any  being  born  again.  This 
year  is  therefore  distinguished  above  all  others,  not  only 
by  the  precious  work  of  grace  on  our  own  premises,  but 
by  little  revivals  in  different  and  distant  parts  of  our  field. 
Hardly  had  two  weeks  elapsed,  after  the  first  appearances 
of  deep  interest  here,  when  the  news  was  spread  far  and 
wide.  The  parents  and  friends  of  those  in  the  seminary, 
and  numerous  other  visitors,  some  attracted  by  curiosity, 
and  some  doubtless  drawn  hither  by  the  Spirit  of  God, 
thronged  in  upon  us.  At  morning  and  evening  prayers, 
at  our  public  services  in  the  seminary,  and  most  of  all  on 
the  Sabbath,  we  had  thus  an  opportunity  of  addressing 
ourselves  to  a multitude  of  strangers.  Coming  together 
as  they  did  from  a variety  of  motives,  we  had  all  reason 


AMONG  THE  NESTOniANS. 


17 


to  adore  the  power  of  God,  which  pierced  so  many  of 
them  with  the  arrows  of  conviction,  and  brought  tliem,  as 
humbled  rebels,  to  submit  to  him.  The  public  instruc- 
tions thus  communicated  to  these  visitors,  were  faithfully 
followed  up  in  private,  by  our  pupils  and  the  other  pious 
natives  around  us.  It  was  very  affecting  to  see  these 
boys  and  girls  taking  their  friends  by  the  hand  as  soon  as 
they  entered,  juid  begging  them,  in  Christ’s  stead,  to  be 
reconciled  to  God.  In  most  cases,  too,  not  satisfied  with 
.exhortation,  they  withdrew  with  them  for  prayer ; and  in- 
stances were  by  no  means  rare,  in  which  a father,  a 
mother,  a brother,  or  a sister,  were  thus  led  to  Christ,  by 
the  instrumentality  of  these  children  and  youth.  I well 
remember  with  what  affectionate  earnestness  Sujad  the 
tailor  threw  himself  before  his  aged  grandfather,  and  en- 
treated him  to  attend  to  the  salvation  of  his  soul.  lie 
seemed  neither  able  to  eat  nor  sleep,  till  he  saw  this 
venerable  relative  a follower  of  Jesus.  For  several  days 
and  nights,  with  an  uninstructed  tongue,  yet  eloquently, 
and  with  an  earnestness  that  would  know  no  denial,  he 
urged  him  not  to  go  away  till  he  had  given  up  his  all  to 
Christ.  And  his  faithful  efforts  were  crowned  with  suc- 
cess. That  patriarchal  old  man,  as  we  have  repeatedly 
and  from  a variety  of  sources  been  assured,  is  now  a meek 
and  prayerful  Christian  ; and  though  he  finds  scarcely  an 
individual  to  sympathize  with  him  in  his  large  and  wicked 
village,  he  is  constantly,  by  his  upright  and  heavenly  de- 
portment, commending  the  religion  of  Christ. 

What  a wonderful  providence  was  it,  which  brought 
into  the  fold  of  the  Redeemer,  the  ignorant  and  wicked 
deacon  from  Tergawer.  A little  girl  from  Hakkie  be- 
came a member  of  Miss  Fisk’s  school,  and  during  the 
revival  was  hopefully  led  to  the  Savior  of  sinners.  Her 
father,  proud  and  self-righteous,  soon  came  down  to  visit 
her.  The  silken  cords  of  love  were  thrown  around  him, 
2* 


18 


NARRATIVE  OF  THE  REVIVAL 


and  not  only  his  daughter,  but  other  pious  natives,  pressed 
on  him  the  truths  of  the  gospel.  He  heard  first  with  in- 
difference, then  with  aversion.  As  his  light  increased, 
and  the  truth  flashed  on  his  mind  that  he  was  a rebel 
against  God,  he  rose  in  opposition.  But  the  time  had 
come  for  the  strong  man  to  bow,  and  it  was  not  long  be- 
fore he  was  seen  pleading  for  mercy  like  a lost  sinner. 
The  big  tears  rolling  down  his  cheeks  and  his  words 
scarcely  finding  utterance,  he  begged  to  be  taught  the 
way  of  salvation.  When  asked  by  one  of  the  brethren, 
if,  in  case  it  were  possible  for  the  fires  of  hell  to  be  ex- 
tinguished, and  he  have  liberty  to  live  as  he  had  formerly 
done,  he  would  be  relieved  of  his  distress,  he  replied,  that 
were  there  no  hell,  he  could  not  endure  to  remain  the 
enemy  of  God.  As  he  was  setting  out  for  Tergawer,  he 
expressed  the  hope  that  he  had  given  up  the  unequal  con- 
troversy, and  begged  an  interest  in  our  prayers.  From 
that  time  he  commenced  the  career  of  active  benevolence, 
which  has  so  fully  evinced  the  genuineness  of  his  repent- 
ance, and  strongly  endeared  him  to  our  hearts.  The 
labors  of  this  deacon  Guergis  in  Tergawer  are  unwearied. 
For  months  he  has  given  up  every  other  employment,  and 
constrained,  as  we  must  believe,  by  the  love  of  Christ, 
certainly  not  by  hope  of  earthly  reward,  he  goes  about 
from  village  to  village,  preaching  the  doctrines  of  the 
cross.  Almost  entirely  through  his  influence,  crowned 
with  the  blessing  of  God,  the  whole  aspect  of  things  there 
has  changed.  In  our  recent  visit  to  Tergawer,  we  were 
delighted  to  find  in  Hakkie,  his  native  village,  so  deep  an 
interest  in  the  truth,  and  so  many  who  were  inquiring  the 
way  to  Christ  as  lost  sinners.  There  is  good  reason  to 
believe,  that  as  many  as  twelve  individuals  there,  are  truly 
born  again,  including  two  brothers  and  several  other  rela- 
tives of  the  deacon,  and  perhaps  also  the  priest  of  the 
village.  It  should  be  remembered,  that  this  interesting 
beginning  is  in  a district  where,  until  recently,  all  was 


AMONG  THE  NE8TORIANS. 


19 


Wrapped  in  midnight  darkness;  where,  with  the  name  of 
Christianity,  they  were  entirely  ignorant  of  the  way  of 
reconciliation  with  God  through  his  dear  Son. 

In  other  villages  of  Tergawer  also  there  has  been  a 
rapid  process  of  enlightenment,  and  some  hopefully  con- 
verted to  God.  A deacon  of  Shebanee,  with  whom  many 
of  us  are  acquainted,  is  we  trust  born  again,  and  is  said 
to  be  scarcely  less  consistent  and  active  in  his  Master’s 
service,  than  the  deacon  of  whom  we  have  been  speaking. 
While  we  remained  in  Tergawer,  he  was  almost  constant- 
ly by  our  side,  and  manifested  the  greatest  eagerness  to 
be  taught.  He  unfortunately  is  able  to  translate  but  very 
imperfectly,  and  must  therefore  depend  for  much  of  his 
knowledge  of  the  Scriptures  on  others.  One  morning, 
after  some  convers.ation  with  John  about  the  New  Jerusa- 
lem, he  begged  the  latter  to  read  to  him  from  Revelation. 
And  it  would  have  done  the  heart  of  any  Christian  good, 
to  see  them  bending  together  over  the  book  of  life,  John 
e.xplaining  the  meaning  of  the  Apostle  with  the  utmost 
earnestness  and  vividness  of  imagery,  while  his  companion 
was  deeply  movetl  by  the  sight,  to  him  new,  of  the 
heavenly  glories  which  were  thus  spread  out  before  him. 

But  we  must  not  dwell  longer  on  Tergawer.  That  the 
Lord  has  begun  a very  interesting  work  of  grace  there, 
is  abundantly  evident  to  all  who  have  visited  it.  And 
owing  to  the  position  of  the  district,  and  the  uncommon 
providence  by  which  the  influences  of  the  revival  were 
introduced  there,  it  seems  to  have  a special  claim  on  our 
sympathies  and  prayers.  May  God  grant  that  that  remote 
and  hitherto  wild  region,  may  speedily  become  vocal  with 
his  praise. 

But  the  effects  of  this  glorious  work  of  grace  have  been 
seen  yet  farther  among  the  mountains  of  Koordistan. 
During  the  spring,  an  older  brother  of  deacon  Tamu 
came  to  visit  us  from  Gawar.  He  too  was  convicted  of 
sin,  and  after  several  days  of  deep  feeling,  bade  us  fare- 


20 


NARRATIVE  OF  THE  REVIVAL 


well,  expressing  the  hope  that  he  had  devoted  himself  to 
the  service  of  Christ.  We  followed  him  with  our  best 
wishes  and  our  prayers,  knowing  that  he  was  leaving  the 
region  of  gospel  light,  for  one  in  which  he  would  be  de- 
prived of  preaching,  the  hearing  of  God’s  word  in  private, 
the  sympathy  of  Christian  friends,  and  indeed  find  prayer 
the  only  connecting  link  between  him  and  heaven.  We 
however  commended  him  to  God,  feeling  assured  that,  if 
his  real  child,  he  would  be  kept  through  grace  unto  eter- 
nal life.  On  our  late  tour  in  Gawar,  it  was  delightful  to 
meet  this  man  again,  bearing  all  the  marks  of  a follower 
of  Jesus. 

When  the  seminary  was  closed  in  April,  Hamis,  a 
younger  brother  of  the  same  family,  who  has  for  several 
years  spent  the  winter  in  the  seminary,  left  us  to  pass  the 
summer  at  his  mountain  home.  He  also  having  hopefully 
found  peace  in  believing  during  the  late  revival,  I 
urged  him  to  imitate  his  divine  Master,  when  he  should 
reach  that  distant  and  unexplored  field,  and  go  about 
doing  good.  Some  months  later,  deacon  Tamu,  on  his 
return  from  Badr  Khan  Bey,  went  also  to  Gawar. 
These  three  brothers  have  labored  together  in  their  native 
village,  making  known  in  public  and  private,  in  the  house 
and  by  the  Wtay,  the  gospel  of  Christ.  The  result  is  that 
some  ten,  as  these  brethren  believe,  are  born  again,  and 
the  village  has  become  known  as  far  as  Marbeeshoo  for 
the  wonderful  change  which  has  taken  place  there.  We 
spent  a day  among  the  people  with  great  satisfaction,  and 
they  were  afterwards  visited  by  deacon  Guergis  of  Ter- 
gawer,  who  was  no  less  gratified  than  ourselves.  It  may 
be  stated  in  this  connection,  that  on  reaching  Baradost, 
late  at  night,  on  our  way  to  Gawar,  we  were  surprised  to 
find  this  deacon  one  of  the  first  to  come  out  and  welcome 
us.  He  had  gone  there  from  Tergawer  to  preach  the 
gospel ; and  with  his  customary  love  for  the  work,  and  no 
other  compensation  than  what  Christ  will  bestow  upon 


AMONG  THE  NESTORIAN8. 


21 


him,  he  accompanied  us  to  Gawar  on  foot  and  back  again 
to  his  native  village,  a distance  of  about  a hundred  miles. 
I know  of  no  one  who  promises  to  become  so  useful  a 
missionary  as  this  man  in  the  mountain  districts;  and  the 
brethren  will  be  glad  to  learn  that  he  hopes  to  spend  the 
winter  in  the  seminary,  that  he  may  be  the  better  qualified 
for  the  work. 

But  to  return  for  a few  moments  to  the  village  of 
deacon  Tamu.  When  we  were  there,  his  father  lay  on 
abed  of  sickness;  and  as  Mr.  Stocking  was  preaching 
in  the  same  room  to  an  attentive  congregation,  consisting 
of  the  whole  population,  old  and  young,  the  dying  man 
frequently  and  emphatically  joined  his  words  with  those 
of  the  preacher,  affirming  that  Jesus  Christ  and  him 
crucified  was  his  only  hope.  We  have  rarely,  either  in 
Oroomiah  or  elsewhere,  seen  a more  silent  and  interested 
audience ; and  when  we  closed,  all  r'ernained  in  their 
places,  as  if  desiring  more  of  the  sincere  milk  of  the 
word.  Tamu  informed  us  that,  even  if  he  protracted  the 
meetings  till  midnight,  he  always  found  interested  and 
solemn  listeners. 

The  next  day  the  old  man  died  ; and  though  we  had 
ourselves  left  the  village,  we  received  a deeply  affecting 
account  of  the  scene  from  deacon  Guergis,  who  was 
present.  The  burial  service  was  accompanied  by  preach- 
ing, and  all  the  exercises  were  performed  with  great 
solemnity.  At  evening,  as  the  deacon  informed  us,  he 
went  with  Tamu  and  Hamis  to  pray  by  the  grave  of  their 
departed  parent.  As  they  were  kneeling  down,  the 
elder  brother  joined  them,  and  on  rising  at  the  close  of 
their  prayer,  they  saw  three  others,  who  had  noiselessly 
stolen  up  the  hill  side,  that  in  the  calm  evening  hour  and 
by  the  new  made  grave,  they  too  might  pour  out  their 
souls  to  God. 

It  would  be  pleasant  to  remark  more  at  length  on  this 
interesting  community,  and  the  prospective  influence  they 


22 


narrative  of  the  revival 


will  exert  in  the  spread  of  the  gospel  among  the  moun- 
tains. But  this  falls  rather  within  the  sphere  of  the 
brother  who  follows  me.  I am  reminded  also,  by  the 
length  of  time  I have  already  occupied,  that  I must  be 
brief 

There  are  several  other  districts,  as  Mergawer  and 
Ooshnook,  where,  in  connection  with  this  revival,  the 
gospel  has  been  for  the  first  time  preached  by  pious 
natives  ; but  of  late  we  have  no  definite  information  in 
regard  to  them.  It  will  be  remembered  that  one  of  the 
most  promising  converts  in  the  school,  was  taken  by  his 
friends  last  spring  to  Mar  Gabriel,  and  made  a priest, 
contrary  to  the  young  man’s  earnest  protestations.  He 
has  since  been  residing  in  Ooshnook,  his  native  place, 
where,  at  the  time  John  visited  him  in  May,  he  had  very 
much  the  respect  and  alfection  of  all  around  him,  and 
was  exerting  a happy  influence  for  the  cause  of  Christ. 
If  we  may  judge  from  similar  cases  in  Tergaw'er  and 
Gawar,  which  have  passed  under  our  review,  we  must 
believe  that  his  labors  will  not  be  in  vain. 

But  notw'ithstanding  these  deeply  interesting  facts,  in 
reference  to  the  remote  portions  of  our  field,  it  is  yet 
true,  that  the  influence  of  the  revival  has  been  mainly  felt 
in  our  more  immediate  vicinity.  In  at  least  eleven  villages 
of  Oroomiah,  we  now  find  one  or  more  hopeful  Chris- 
tians, beside  a number  of  other  places,  where  the  pious 
members  of  our  seminaries  have  been  spending  a consid- 
erable portion  of  the  summer,  and  exhibiting  in  their  lives 
the  power  of  the  gospel.  How  cheering  to  contemplate 
such  a result  as  this!  Not  only  have  many  souls  thus 
been  rescued  from  eternal  death,  but  beacon  fires  have 
been  here  and  there  kindled,  which  we  hope  will  bum 
more  and  more  brightly,  till  this  whole  region  shall  be 
lighted  up  with  millennial  glory. 

In  connection  with  the  progress  of  this  revivid,  in  the 
villages,  it  is  proper  to  mention,  that  during  the  two  or 


AMONG  THE  NESTORIANS. 


23 


three  months  previous  to  tlie  present  vacation  of  the  sem- 
inary, its  older  members  were  in  the  habit  of  visiting  and 
expounding  the  gospel  in  some  five  or  six  different  villa- 
ges every  Sabbath.  The  means  of  grace  among  the  peo- 
ple have  thus  been  greatly  multiplied,  and  I think  we  may 
confidently  indulge  the  hope,  if  we  are  faithful  to  the  cause 
of  our  Master,  that  the  coming  year  will  be  yet  more  sig- 
nalized than  the  past  by  the  outpouring  of  God’s  Spirit  in 
the  villages.  The  eight  or  ten  teachers  also,  who  spent 
the  summer  with  us  at  Seir,  underwent  while  there  a 
radical  change  of  views  and  feelings ; and  I cherish  the 
strong  belief  that  some  of  them  became  new  creatures  in 
Christ  Jesus.  These  have  gone  out  to  scatter  evangelical 
truth  in  their  different  village  schools  and  among  all  with 
whom  they  come  in  contact.  How  can  the  rays  of  light, 
thus  radiating  from  so  many  centres,  crossing  and  re- 
crossing and  blending  with  each  other,  fail  to  give  a far 
more  bright  and  encouraging  aspect  to  our  field,  than  we 
have  ever  yet  been  permitted  to  witness? 

I have  delayed  thus  far  to  speak  of  Geog  Tapa,  because 
the  work  there  has  been  so  marked  and  glorious,  as  to 
deserve  a separate  consideration.  The  precious  seed, 
which  had  been  sown  year  after  year  in  that  village;  the 
fact  that  special  interest  had  been  manifested  there  the 
previous  summer  ; the  connection  of  so  many  of  its  ec- 
clesiastics with  us  as  native  helpers,  and  the  comparatively 
large  number  of  its  youth  in  the  two  seminaries,  nearly  all 
of  whom  were  awakened  and  hopefully  converted ; the 
frequent  mention  of  this  village,  in  the  letters  of  the  Com- 
mittee and  of  our  private  friends,  showing  that  it  was  re- 
membered at  the  throne  of  grace ; all  these  things  natu- 
rally led  us  at  an  early  period  of  the  revival,  to  turn  our 
eyes  to  Geog  Tapa,  and  to  expect  there  a powerful  dis- 
play of  the  grace  of  God.  Nor  were  we  disappointed. 
The  visitors  from  that  place  to  our  seminaries  were  from 
the  first  so  numerous,  especially  on  the  Sabbath ; so  many 


24 


NARRATIVE  OF  THE  REVIVAL 


of  our  pupils  visited  there  in  their  turn  ; and  we  have 
been  able,  by  personal  labors  and  by  the  aid  of  our  most 
experienced  native  helpers,  to  keep  the  truth  so  constantly 
before  the  minds  of  the  people,  that  the  revival  in  Geog 
Tapa  has  been  closely  identified,  both  in  its  character 
and  results,  with  that  which  we  have  enjoyed  on  our  own 
premises.  Early  in  February,  some  interest  was  mani- 
fested in  one  of  the  schools,  which  gradually  increased, 
till  many  of  all  classes  were  deeply  moved.  About  a 
month  later,  when  the  seminaries  had  a vacation  of  ten 
days,  I had  the  pleasure  with  Miss  Fisk  of  spending  some 
portion  of  it  in  that  village.  While  there  had  been  but 
few  conversions,  there  was  a great  deal  of  inquiry,  and 
our  pupils  expounded  the  Scriptures  every  evening  in  ten 
or  twelve  different  places  to  attentive  audiences.  Every 
thing  was  marked  by  a deep  stillness,  which  indicated  to 
us  the  presence  of  God’s  Spirit.  And  from  that  time 
forward  converts  were  multiplied  and  the  blessed  work 
went  on  with  increasing  power. 

It  would  be  interesting  were  there  time,  to  dwell  on  the 
particular  features  of  the  revival  there,  and  to  describe 
the  individual  cases,  which  have  during  its  progress 
affected  us  so  deeply.  Suffice  it  to  say,  that  there  are 
many  mouths,  which  before  were  full  of  cursing  and  bit- 
terness, that  are  now  filled  with  the  praises  of  God.  An 
entire  change  has  taken  place  in  the  habits  and  manners 
of  the  village.  Property  has  become  secure  from  thieves, 
to  an  extent  never  before  known.  The  name  of  reviler, 
or  quarreler,  or  profane  swearer,  has  become  one  of  great 
reproach.  Prayer  meetings  are  frequent,  and  attended  by 
many  who  love  to  pray.  The  Sabbath  is  regarded  as  the 
Lord’s  day,  and  not  unblushingly  profaned  as  before  by 
secular  employments.  And  while  there  are  of  course 
many  in  the  village  hardened  to  the  truth,  and  a few  who 
feel  tlie  present  order  of  things  to  be  an  uncomfortable 


AMONG  THE  NESTORIANS. 


25 


restraint,  the  sentiment  of  the  village  is  strongly  in  favor 
of  peace,  sobriety,  and  vital  religion.  At  a recent  com- 
munion season,  a time  at  which  disorders  were  formerly 
allowed,  scarcely  less  gross  than  those  which  disgraced 
the  Corinthian  church,  about  two  hundred  remained  after 
the  unintelligible  service  in  the  ancient  language,  to  cele- 
brate the  ordinance  in  a solemn  and  reverential  manner. 
The  service  was  conducted  with  prayer,  singing,  and 
other  exercises,  very  much  in  imitation  of  our  own  meth- 
od ; and  the  pious  natives  connected  with  us,  who  were 
present,  regarded  it  as  one  of  the  most  delightful  occa- 
sions they  had  ever  witnessed.  Do  not  such  great 
changes,  in  one  of  the  most  intelligent  and  prominent 
Nestorian  villages,  promise  for  us  a brighter  day  than  any 
which  has  yet  dawned  upon  us?  Who,  even  of  the  most 
sanguine  of  our  number,  would  have  believed  a year  ago, 
that  in  Geog  Tapa,  two  hundred  persons  would  this  sum- 
mer have  sat  with  solemnity  around  the  table  of  their  dy- 
ing Lord,  realizing  in  some  measure  the  meaning  of  the 
ordinance  ? * And  whose  heart  does  not  overflow  with 
thanksgiving  and  praise,  when  he  remembers  that  scores 
of  these  are  giving  consistent  and  increasing  evidence  of 
piety  ? I am  informed,  within  a few  days,  that  there  is 
not  a single  vineyard  in  the  village  in  which  there  is  not 
at  least  one  praying  laborer  ; and  it  is  well  known  that 
the  men  and  women,  most  of  whom  cannot  read,  go  to 
their  daily  toils,  singing  along  the  way  the  hymns  which 
they  have  learned  from  the  children  in  the  schools.  In 
the  threshing  floors,  little  closets  are  made  for  prayer 
among  the  stacks  of  wheat.  To  these  places  those  who 
love  to  pray  retire,  and  closing  the  entrance  after  them 
with  a sheaf  of  wheat,  hold  communion  with  God. 


* Ml  among  Ihe  Neslorians,  old  and  young,  pious  and  depraved,  have 
hitherto  been  accustomed  to  partake  of  the  sacrament,  thinking  it  had  some 
inherent  elficacy  in  it,  .ns  a saving  ordinance.  Many  now  in  Geog  Tapa 
absent  themselves  through  fear  of  tlie  curse  of  God. 


20 


NARRATIVE  OF  THE  REVIVAL 


As  it  is  a considerable  time  since  I have  visited  Geog 
Tapa,  I am  obliged,  in  reporting  the  present  state  of  the 
village,  to  rely  mainly  on  others.  But  it  seems  to  be  a 
fact  that  hundreds  there  are  in  the  daily  habit  of  secret 
prayer ; and  that  fifty  of  them,  exclusive  of  the  members 
of  our  seminaries  and  our  native  helpers,  are  born  into 
the  kingdom  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Quite  a number 
of  the  hopeful  converts  are  young  mm,  who  are  very  ac- 
tive in  labors  among  the  people,  and  who  every  Sabbath 
go  out  to  all  the  villages  around  to  proclaim  the  gospel. 

With  a very  few  general  remarks,  in  regard  to  the  re- 
vival, I will  close  this  narrative.  And, 

I.  It  must  be  evident  to  any  one,  who  has  labored  much 
with  those  under  conviction,  that  they  have  had  in  general 
very  discriminating  views  of  truth.  The  evil  of  sin, 
their  ruined  condition  while  out  of  Christ,  the  excellence 
and  glory  of  the  plan  of  salvation,  have  not  only  been 
clearly  presented  to  them,  but  as  clearly  apprehended  and 
embraced.  It  has  been  very  difficult  for  our  brethren  at 
the  Sandwich  Islands,  and  at  some  other  stations,  during 
seasons  of  revival,  to  give  the  truth  a fair,  distinct  and 
forcible  lodgment  in  the  native  mind.  From  this  source, 
we  have  here  the  past  sea.son  experienced  but  little  in- 
convenience. It  has  been  interesting  and  delightful  to 
see  what  discriminating  views  of  truth  were  possessed, 
even  by  mere  children  and  the  most  ignorant  females. 
And  this,  among  many  other  reasons,  should  give  us  con- 
fidence in  the  work,  as  wrought  by  the  Spirit  of  God. 

II.  And  again,  it  has  appeared  to  me  very  remarkable, 
considering  the  excitable  nature  of  the  people,  that  there 
has  been  so  little  mere  animal  sympathy.  We  at  first 
strongly  apprehended  it,  even  among  those  best  in- 
structed, and  continually  under  the  watchful  care  of  the 
mission.  But  it  would  seem  that  our  fears  were  too 
strong.  Neither  at  Geog  Tapa,  in  Tergawer,  in  Gawar, 


AMONG  THK  NESTORIAN3. 


27 


nor  any  other  place,  so  far  as  I have  been  able  to  learn, 
has  there  been  any  thing  which  looks  like  fanaticism. 
On  the  contrary,  to  the  praise  of  God’s  grace  be  it  re- 
corded, there  has  everywhere  been  stillness  and  deep  so- 
lemnity. And  Dr.  Anderson  had  a correct  apprehension 
of  the  facts,  when  he  speaks  in  a recent  communication 
of  fhe  work,  as  “bearing  all  the  marks  of  a genuine 
New  England  revival.’’ 

III.  It  should  also  be  noticed  with  devout  thanks- 
giving, that  there  have  been  thus  far  very  few  backsliders. 
This  has  struck  our  native  helpers  (unaccustomed  to  re- 
vivals, and  of  course  more  ready  than  ourselves  to  regard 
every  manifestation  of  feeling  as  genuine  repentance) 
with  great  surprise.  I have  repeatedly  been  asked  by 
them,  “ How  is  it,  that  these  converts  none  of  them  fall  ? 
Must  we  not  expect  to  find  Judas  and  Simon  Magus 
among  them  ? Is  it  not  wonderful,  that  for  so  many 
months,  ignorant  as  they  are,  and  exposed  to  so  much 
temptation,  they  should  be  growing  in  grace  and  seeming 
to  ripen  for  heaven?”  And  brethren,  it  is  wonderful, 
and  I believe  the  more  we  dwell  on  the  fact,  the  more 
wonderful  shall  we  regard  it.  I do  not  mean,  that,  in  a 
very  few  cases,  our  hopes  have  not  been  disappointed. 
But  after  the  lapse  of  nine  months  since  the  commence- 
ment of  the  work,  a time  sufiiciently  long,  as  is  supposed, 
in  America,  and  wiich  more  among  such  a people  as  this, 
to  test  the  reality  of  a saving  change,  we  find  at  least  one 
hundred  and  fifty  converts,  rejoicing  in  God,  and  giving 
daily  evidence  of  humble  consistent  piety.  Can  any  more 
genuine  work  be  found  in  the  purest  revivals  of  our  own 
land,  and  should  not  the  contemplation  of  it  to-day,  call 
out  our  hearts  in  thanksgiving  and  praise? 

IV'^.  The  ardor  and  whole-heartedness  of  these  young 
Christians  is  also  remarkable.  The  great  majority  of 
them  seem  to  feel,  in  a peculiarly  strong  manner,  that 
they  are  no  longer  their  own ; and  to  enter  with  a de- 


28 


NARRATIVE  OF  THE  REVIVAL. 


lightful  spirit  on  the  work  of  saving  their  lost  people. 
Naturally  ardent  and  bold,  and  by  no  means  deficient  in 
intellect,  the  energies  of  these  pious  individuals  are  now 
directed  to  the  most  glorious  of  all  objects — the  promotion 
of  the  cause  of  Christ.  This  characteristic  gives  us  high 
encouragement  to  look  for  the  salvation  of  the  whole  peo- 
ple, and  affords,  it  would  seem,  solid  basis  for  the  hope, 
so  long  cherished  by  our  patrons  at  home,  that  they  will, 
at  some  future  day,  become,  as  their  fathers  were,  ener- 
getic and  faithful  missionaries  among  the  vast  regions  of 
Central  Asia.  We  will  labor  and  pray  for  such  a blessed 
consummation ! 

In  view  of  these  facts,  brethren,  though  so  imperfectly 
presented,  whose  heart  does  not  swell  with  grateful  emo- 
tions to  God?  Who,  viewing  the  wonderful  changes 
which  this  year  have  taken  place  in  our  field  ; our  free- 
dom from  persecution  throughout  this  revival ; the  almost 
uniformly  favorable  view's  of  the  high  ecclesiastics  and  of 
many  of  the  people  towards  this  w'ork  of  God,  (a  state  of 
things  so  different  from  what  our  brethren  in  Turkey  are 
experiencing;)  the  active  and  devoted  bands  of  native 
converts,  which  God  has  given  to  aid  us  in  our  work  j 
and  above  all,  the  exceeding  great  and  precious  promises 
of  the  Bible  to  faithful  labor  and  prayer, — who  does  not 
thank  God  that  he  is  placed  in  such  an  interesting  field, 
at  such  an  interesting  crisis ; and  girding  on  the  gospel 
armor,  long  to  address  himself  anew,  with  all  the  strength 
which  God  has  given  him,  to  the  blessed  work  ? May 
we  be  aided  from  on  high  to  meet  our  great  responsibili- 
ties; and  w’eak,  unworthy,  and  helpless  as  we  are,  be 
more  and  more  the  honored  instruments  of  bringing  these 
lost  souls  to  an  Almighty  Savior ; and  finally  stand  with  a 
great  company  of  them,  redeemed  as  well  as  we,  by  the 
power  of  divine  grace,  on  mount  Zion  above,  with  songs 
and  everlasting  joy  on  our  heads,  and  there  join  in  as- 
criptions of  praise  for  ever  and  ever.  Amen. 


